Armadale tower plan rattles

ARMADALE’S skyline is set for apartment blocks up to 16 storeys high under plans unveiled for 590 Orrong Rd.

Neighbours have hit out at the 2.5ha development’s “token” consultation, height and amenity.

At a community forum last Wednesday, Vivas Lend Lease and Larkfield Property Holdings unveiled detailed plans for the site.

The development would include about 490 residences ranging from terrace houses and nine-storey boutique apartments – up to 16-storey towers of up to 100 units.

Kirsten Anderson, who called the forum “poorly attended”, said she did not receive any information from developers about community consultation despite living on nearby Harvey St.

She said it seemed leaflets were distributed only to homes immediately adjacent the site. “They haven’t done their groundwork in preparation for the pressures on traffic, public transport and public space,” Ms Anderson said.

“I don’t know how this area is going to handle and service well over 1000 people on a daily basis.”

But Vivas Lend Lease executive director Hugh Martin said developers were conscious of keeping the area’s character and encouraging public access.

“The proposed apartment buildings have been designed and positioned in such a way to empathise with the surrounding area,” Mr Martin said.

He said consultation had been “open and transparent” and “endorsed by Stonnington Council”.

Mayor Tim Smith said the project’s location next to Toorak station and bike paths meant developers could be eligible for reductions on parking bay numbers.

This development means traffic gridlock, overflowing train stations and tram stops, no more on-street car parking, a blighted skyline and less privacy for current residents. It will also impinge on adjoining public land. It defies the lowrise local residential style.

This development will set a precedent for further development.

This is a rare opportunity for Stonnington to increase open space, develop a school or a stellar medium density residential development. We do not need another Docklands.

Already we know that Toorak Station is within developers' sites. How long before Hawksburn and Armadale are redeveloped?

Stonnington Council - after much campaigning - refused the permit but developer Lend Lease successfully overturned this decision at VCAT. This VCAT decision is in turn being appealed in the Supreme Court in April 2013.

Our opponent is smart, moneyed, experienced and well connected. We won't win this without your help.

Lend Lease has 'consulted' but never compromised. They entirely underestimated our ability to fight their plan.

Reading this is just the beginning - we need you to work with us to fight the towers.